We suggest 8 places that you cannot miss in the capital of Bolivia. This city, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991, takes its name in honor of the famous Marshal José de Sucre. It is also known as the city of 4 names because it was previously called: Charcas until 1538, La Plata from 1538 to 1776 and Chuquisaca from 1776 to 1825.
25th of May Square
It is the main square of Sucre and is considered one of the most emblematic places in the city. Perfect place to sit and observe local life, it is also the starting point to visit other significant places.
The square is very wide and has green areas, fountains, benches and sculptures, in addition to being surrounded by important colonial buildings, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Sucre, the Government Palace, the House of Liberty, among others. It also has a large number of shops, restaurants, cafes and craft stalls.
The square is a very busy place, especially on weekends, when various cultural and artistic events take place, such as concerts, music festivals, art exhibitions and food fairs.
House of Liberty Museum
In this museum you can see many important historical objects, including the first flag of Bolivia. And it works where the country’s declaration of independence was signed in 1825. On the ground floor, you will find the permanent exhibition, which has a series of rooms that show the history of Bolivia from pre-Columbian times to independence. There is also a room dedicated to the life and work of Simón Bolívar, one of the main leaders of Latin American independence. On the upper floor, there is the reconstruction of the room where the Declaration of Independence of Bolivia was signed.
The House of Liberty was originally a chapel and great hall of the Pontifical University of San Francisco Javier run by the Jesuits, founded in 1624 and still in existence. The university seal adorns the pediment. Today the museum is maintained by the Cultural Foundation of the Central Bank of Bolivia. In the photo you can see three flags over the entrance, the Wiphala flag of multicolored squares that represent the native peoples of the Andes; the Bolivian flag with equal red, yellow and green stripes and that of the Department of Chuquisaca (of which Sucre is the capital) flag of a Cross of Burgundy with a gold crown in the center.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Sucre
The cathedral was built between 1559 and 1712 in a mixed baroque style, with American and European influences. Its façade presents a mix of baroque and neoclassical elements, with three portals decorated with stone carvings and a bell tower with two towers. Inside, the cathedral has a central nave and several side chapels, with impressive decoration that includes numerous paintings and religious sculptures by local and foreign artists.
The main altar carved in gilded wood is decorated with numerous details and sculptures of saints. The cathedral houses an important collection of religious art, including paintings, sculptures, tapestries and other objects of historical and artistic value. It is also the place where the famous image of the Virgin of Guadalupe is located, a religious figure highly revered by Bolivians.
Government Palace of Sucre
It is a beautiful building that was built to fulfill the function of the Presidential House of the Republic of Bolivia, however after the Federal War, the Headquarters of Government was constitutionally moved to La Paz.
Convent of San Felipe Neri
Its construction began in 1795 and was completed in 1800 by the Jesuit order. With an imposing image, stones from the Churuquella hill were used.
The convent is in the Baroque style and has an impressive carved stone façade. It is divided into three bodies and has several ornamental details, such as moldings, columns, sculptures and reliefs. It has a cloister and a central patio, where you can see beautiful gardens and fountains. There is also a church with a central nave and several side chapels. The decoration is baroque with golden altars, numerous paintings and religious sculptures.
The General Cemetery of Sucre
Although it may seem a bit macabre, the General Cemetery of Sucre is an interesting place to visit. Here you can find tombs of important figures in Bolivian history, as well as ordinary citizens. It was founded in 1831 and has an area of more than 17 hectares.
The cemetery is located on a hill, which gives it a stunning view of the city of Sucre. Its streets are cobbled and surrounded by beautiful tombs and funerary monuments, many of which date back to the 19th century. In the General Cemetery of Sucre, personalities from Bolivian history are buried, such as President Germán Busch Becerra and the revolutionary Juana Azurduy de Padilla, among others. There are also numerous tombs and monuments dedicated to anonymous people, which shows the importance given to memory and respect for the deceased in Bolivian culture. It has a unique architecture with mausoleums of different styles, from neoclassical to modern, and is surrounded by well-kept gardens. It also has a chapel where religious services and funerals are held.
The Recoleta Viewpoint
The Mirador de la Recoleta is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city of Sucre, in Bolivia. It is located in the upper part of the city and offers a stunning panoramic view of the historic center of Sucre. From the viewpoint you can see the Metropolitan Cathedral of Sucre, Plaza 25 de Mayo, the Palacio de la Libertad, the Convent of San Felipe Neri and other historic buildings in the city.
In addition, you can appreciate the natural beauty of the hills that surround the city and the urban landscape of Sucre. The Mirador de la Recoleta is a very popular place to take photographs and enjoy the sunset. In addition, it has several craft and souvenir stalls where you can buy souvenirs and gifts. Access to the Mirador de la Recoleta can be done on foot from the historic center of Sucre, going up Junín Street, or by taxi. It is a must-see place for any tourist who wants to know the beauty of the city of Sucre from a privileged perspective.
The Cretaceous Park
This theme park is a unique attraction in Bolivia. Dinosaur footprints dating back more than 65 million years can be found here.
The Central Market
This market is a great cultural experience in Sucre. Here you can find local products, such as fruits, vegetables, meat and textiles. There are also many restaurants and food stalls where you can try typical Bolivian dishes.
You can also visit…
Potosí is located 150 km from Sucre.
FAQs
How to get to Sucre?
BY BUS: From La Paz, it is a trip of approximately 13 hours. From Potosí it is a 3 and a half hour trip but the terminal is on the outskirts of the city. From Uyuni the journey takes between 7 and 8 hours.
BY PLANE: From La Paz 1 hour and a half flight. You land at Alcantarí International Airport, which is 30 km away.
These are just some of the places you can visit in Sucre. The city has much more to offer, including museums, churches, parks and historical monuments.
